Reviewed November 2, 2026
Separate treatment from load suitability
ISPM 15 concerns phytosanitary treatment and marking of wood packaging in international trade. A mark does not establish current ownership, a safe working load, cleanliness or suitability for a particular product. Resolve those questions separately.
Record the complete mark
Take a clear photograph including the IPPC symbol, country and producer information, and treatment code. Transcribing only “HT” loses context. Ask the supplier to explain the evidence and its relevance to the shipment rather than guessing from one abbreviation.
Use the responsible compliance channel
Consult the current destination requirements and an appropriate supplier or freight specialist. For export packaging, APHIS identifies accredited inspection channels. This page helps prepare that conversation and does not certify an individual pallet or shipment.
Keep these questions together
- Requirements vary
- Marks must be legible
- Verify current rules
Primary reference: USDA APHIS wood packaging for export. This guide prepares a planning conversation and does not certify packaging or guarantee service availability.